Atlanta Paternity Lawyer

Paternity is a pivotal issue in many divorce and child custody cases. Georgia considers paternity to be the parental relationship between a man and a child, which may be dependent on a few different factors. Without determining paternity, many child support and custody cases would not be resolved. Paternity is not always easily determined and enforced. Determining the biological father can be difficult sometimes, but if the father is identified then he can fully utilize his rights as a parent. Furthermore, it is usually in the best interest of the child to develop a relationship with the biological father.

In Georgia, a paternity can be established by the following:

The child’s parents were legally married to each other at the time of the child’s birth

The child’s parents were unwed at the time of the child’s birth but signed a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment Form at the hospital when the child is born, at the State Office of Vital Records, or at the Vital Records Office in the county where the child was born

Establishing Paternity

While there may be a presumption of paternity, the court will require evidence that a man is the father of the child according to Georgia law. Usually, a court order or a signed Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity is needed by the court to establish paternity. Establishing paternity is very important when child support is involved. The courts do not want the child’s biological father to neglect caring for the child and the court does not want a man who is not the biological father to be paying for child support. There are also other family law issues that revolve around paternity, including child custody and other family problems. If paternity cannot be established voluntarily, the court may order DNA testing to determine the true biological father of a child. DNA testing is the most convincing evidence to the court in establishing paternity. Keep in mind that there are other elements in developing a strong paternity case.

Experienced Family Law Attorneys

At Bushnell & Drye, LLC, we practice family and divorce law. Our legal team is dedicated to help you establish paternity through the best method for your circumstances, be it mediation or litigation. At Bushnell & Drye, LLC, we practice family and divorce law. Our legal team is dedicated to help you establish paternity through the best method for your circumstances, be it mediation or litigation. We will work to help you ensure that your child is well cared for and safe.To learn more about our firm and our attorneys, contact us> today.